This Week on Straight to the Bar

I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, you'll enjoy these :

• Floral Apron Adventures
  GoodyGirl77
  Hard and heavy.
  
• Australian Fitness Tour
  Various Authors
  Superb idea for a trip. Which places, competitions and groups would you suggest?
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the Like, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Brad Pilon - 6 Meals per Day

No doubt you've heard the '6 Meals per Day' advice at some point. But just what qualifies as a meal? You may be surprised.

Over to Brad.

Deal of the Week : TRX Kettlebell - Iron Circuit Conditioning

A blend of kettlebell and TRX goodness - fantastic.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 75 - Incorporating Strongman Training

I've been a fan of Strongman training for as long as I can remember; the beautifully simple idea of 'picking up something heavy, and putting it down somewhere else'. Love it.

This week we're taking a close look at the world of Strongman, specifically at how to integrate it with your existing training. No matter whether you're a professional athlete or just someone who loves taking care of themselves.

Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than The Strength Doctor, Tim Hull (@THull); a man who's been exploring the possibilities of Strongman work in his own training. Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Incorporating Strongman Training
When : Wed Jul 21, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to Robert DeCillis (@CombatTrainer) and everyone else who took part in the discussion on Conditioning. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What sort of conditioning do you favour, and in what form? How do you measure your progress?

Getting Ready For : Super Human Training

Super Human Training is a series of interviews (one per week) with some of the strongest guys around.

Hosting the discussions is none other than Logan Christopher (certainly no slouch himself in the arena of Strongman). And to give you an idea of just how cool this is, here are a few of the guys you'll be learning from :

• Andrew Durniat
• Steve McGranahan
• Adam Glass
• Mike Mahler
• Ryan Pitts

And many more. Fantastic.

Exercise of the Week : Lever Side Bend

This is one of the many superb exercises detailed in Adam's brilliant Leverage Lifts article; definitely a keeper. Dive in, and enjoy.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, you'll enjoy these :

• First Powerlifting Meet
  Various authors
  On the forums, both Chris and Meatax are getting ready for their first powerlifting meet (fantastic experience). What advice would you give them?
  
• Floral Apron Adventures : 26
  GoodyGirl77
  The hard training continues. Nice one.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the Like, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Pain Time - Farmers' Holds

Combining grip strength, mental toughness and a great posterior chain workout. Farmers' Holds.

Checking Out : Bulldog Leash

Just noticed this on the Art of Strength site - the Bulldog Leash. Essentially a covered 10' length of chain designed to attach to the base of a kettlebell, ready for swinging, lifting, throwing, and other fun things.

Looks fantastic.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 63 - Kettlebell Training for Beginners : I love training with kettlebells. Indoors or outdoors, by themselves or with ropes, bands and other fun things.

This week we're taking a look at Kettlebell Training for Beginners - how to get started with this wonderful form of training, what to use and where to go for help. The way to go from a complete novice to someone who uses them on a regular basis.

Helping us to navigate this fascinating world is Jackie, better known as @girlwithnoname. Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Kettlebell Training for Beginners
When : Wed Apr 28, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Nitro Circus Live

Last night, 60 Minutes (the Australian version) had a segment on motocross rider and stuntman Travis Pastrana; the core of Nitro Circus.

For anyone who's currently enjoying the sun in this beautiful part of the world, there's a great chance to check out Travis in action - the Nitro Circus Live show. Fantastic.

Learning From : Free eBooks, Podcasts and More

I've added a number of ebooks to the list of items that newsletter subscribers receive. For everyone who's already signed up, here are the links. As a bonus, there are also a number of sites, podcasts and newsletters I recommend :

Free eBooks, Podcasts and More

NB : if you'd like to recommend an item to add to this list - whether it's yours or just one you've stumbled across - I'd love to hear about it. Thanks.

Exercise of the Week : Band-Assisted Handstand Push-up

Handstand Push-ups are great things, and this is the perfect way to test them out. Band assisted.

On the Forums

I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, head over to the forums :

• The Human Flag
  Al Kavadlo
  Al takes a look at a another great exercise - the Human Flag. Good fun.
  
• 635lb Deadlift at 196lb Bodyweight
  Mike 'The Machine' Bruce
  The deadlift PRs keep on coming. Nice one Mike.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click 'Post to Your Blog'. That's all there is to it.

NB : if you like what you see, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the icons for Digg, StumbleUpon etc above each article). Cheers.

Video - Traveling Push Up

Another great push-up variety - the Traveling Push Up.

Good fun.

Deal of the Week : Powerclubs

I love club training.

During the week I got a couple of emails from people asking where to get clubs in the UK; the short answer, London Kettlebells. Perfect.

Incidentally, no matter where you are in the world, there's a good chance that you're not too far from a supplier of these wonderful tools. Here are several others that I've used over the years, as well as those that come highly recommended by trainers I've worked with.

Enjoy.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 58 - Making Your Own : Combat Training Equipment : Building your own gym equipment is a fantastic way to kickstart the home gym, no matter what your training goals are. What's more, it's an inexpensive way to get a taste of the many options available.

This week we're diving into the world of DIY Combat Training Equipment - everything from medicine balls and sandbags to clubs, rings and push-up boards. There are hundreds of superb home-made tools just waiting to be constructed.

Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is Keith Johnson - better known as (@Ogedei). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Making Your Own : Combat Training Equipment
When : Wed Mar 24, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Got an event that you'd like to add? Let me know.

Reading : The Bending eBook

This is a fantastic book.

Although it came out more than 3 years ago now, I still refer to this book regularly (the review will help explain why). And what's more, the latest version contains a host of updates which will certainly help take your bending up a notch.

Filled with detailed information on the materials and techniques you'll need, this is an incredible resource. If you're just getting serious about short steel bending, you need this book.

Brilliant.

Exercise of the Week : Renegade Row

The Renegade Row is a fantastic exercise.

Named after Coach John 'The Renegade' Davies, it's a controlled lift with each arm (independently) from a near-push-up position. As with many exercises, the simplest way to learn it is to see a bit of video, and try it out for yourself.

Here's the kettlebell version of the humble Renegade Row. Good fun.

NB : the weights being lifted can be in the form of kettlebells, dumbbells or anything else that's close to hand. Experiment.

On the Forums

I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, head over to the forums :

• All About Australian Pull-ups
  Al Kavadlo
  Al takes a look at a great exercise - the Australian Pull-up.
  
• Two PRS : Bench and Squat
  A great day in the gym.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click 'Post to Your Blog'. That's all there is to it.

NB : if you like what you see, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the icons for Digg, StumbleUpon etc above each article). Cheers.

Video - Steve Maxwell: Half-Moon/Iranian Twisting Push-Up

Enjoy last week's Circular Push-ups? Grab a taekhte and try these.

Good fun.

Deal of the Week - TRX Mobile Workouts

In last week's twitterchat we noted the value of the TRX for combat athletes. Here's a simple way to store your favourite workout or two on a mobile device - the TRX Mobile Workouts.

Good fun.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 57 - Achieving Optimum Health : It's pretty clear that health is strongly connected to your training. Feel better and you're well on the way to a solid performance in the gym.

This week we're diving into the world of Optimum Health - how to eat better, feel better, and function better in the weight-room. Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is NU FIT's, own Max Barry (@NU_FiT). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Optimum Health
When : Wed Mar 17, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Got an event that you'd like to add? Let me know.

Reading - The Primal Blueprint

Over the past week I've been getting a number of questions about my diet, particularly on the difference between Paleo and Primal approaches. The Primal Blueprint (full review) takes a detailed look at the Primal side of the fence.

As Sandy notes, since switching to Primal he's noted a number of changes in both body composition and overall health. If you're curious to see how, pick up a copy of The Primal Blueprint.

Great book.

Exercise of the Week : Battling Ropes Pole Pull

I love Battling Ropes work, and this is one of my favourite exercises. The humble Pole Pull.

Enjoy.

I absolutely love these.

When it comes to footwear for training, the Vibram FiveFingers are ideal. Not only are they flat (and the absence of a heel will have an immediate impact by itself), they encourage your feet to really engage themselves in the running, lifting and climbing.

It really is like a controlled barefoot training session.

Once your feet become used to them (and this could take hours, days or weeks depending on your current footwear), there are several long-term benefits. Improved posture, balance and so on. It really does get better and better.

Where To Get Them

This is one type of footwear that I'm entirely happy buying online. The sizing depends on the length of the foot (details here), and is flexible enough to cope with minor variations from person to person.

In Australia, they're available from :

Professional Whey

NB : this is where I bought mine, and the service is superb. Overnight delivery; no problems at all.

In the US, swing by the main Vibram Five Fingers site. I've also received good feedback on stores like Kayak, and of course, Amazon.

Outside these countries, your best bet is either a local shoe store, or a major online retailer (such as Amazon, or the main Vibram site). Whatever your experiences, I'd love to hear them.

A quick note on a very interesting site I just stumbled across (as is often the case, I noticed it whilst looking for something else entirely) - NLA Australian Newspapers. A searchable archive of several early Australian Newspapers.

Absolutely free.

A quick note on a very interesting site I just stumbled across (as is often the case, I noticed it whilst looking for something else entirely) - NLA Australian Newspapers. A searchable archive of several early Australian Newspapers.

Absolutely free.

This is online home for Australian writer, photographer and fitness freak - Scott Andrew Bird. Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find :

This is the family tree site for Australian writer, photographer and fitness freak - Scott Andrew Bird. Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find :
Research

The Tree

This is the online version of the current GEDCOM, formatted using The Next Generation software (highly recommended). If you’re looking for a particular name, this is the best place to start.

There is also a great deal of research offline, consisting of supporting materials, unverified accounts, mystery photographs and other fun things. If you’re looking for something specific, let me know.

Shipping & Immigration

My ancestors traveled a fair bit (as do I, in fact); and this area looks at the specifics of this travel. The ‘how’ and the ‘why’.

Name Origins

There are some unusual surnames in the tree, and here you’ll find the origins of many of them. A fascinating part of the research.

References

What’s a mutchkin? How about a bodle? To which county does CMN refer?

This part of the site will help you translate many of your source materials, whether you’re looking at your ancestors’ medical conditions, finances or census information.

Timelines

If you’ve ever wondered why a mass migration occurred at a particular time, or where someone’s likely to have been buried; here’s your answer. The timing of major events associated with the tree.

Other Researchers

This research has been growing for a number of years, with more than a little help from many, many others. Here are just a few of the fellow researchers who may be able to help with your quest.

Articles

Making the Most of Libraries & Family Tree Research Centres

As I mentioned above, I spend a fair bit of time on-the-road. If you’re the same, you’ll love this : how to make the most of the libraries and research centres you stop in on the way.

The Language of Genealogy

What happens when your search leads you to an unfamiliar language? Here are a number of online translation tools that can really make a difference.

Edinburgh Burials & Cremation History

Having lived in Edinburgh for a number of years, I can certainly attest to its rich culture and history. Part of that relates to something which has been taking place there for millennia - burials and cremations.

Scots Weights, Measures and Money

How much was it worth, and when? How many could you fit in a barrel?

If you’ve got Scottish ancestors, get ready to see some unusual terms in your quest. Here’s a translation.

Get in Touch

This is a never-ending quest, and I’m always on the lookout for more information. If you’ve got an addition, modification or a question about anything on this site, let me know. Thanks.

This is the family tree site for Australian writer, photographer and fitness freak - Scott Andrew Bird. Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find :
Research

The Tree

This is the online version of the current GEDCOM, formatted using The Next Generation software (highly recommended). If you’re looking for a particular name, this is the best place to start.

There is also a great deal of research offline, consisting of supporting materials, unverified accounts, mystery photographs and other fun things. If you’re looking for something specific, let me know.

Shipping & Immigration

My ancestors traveled a fair bit (as do I, in fact); and this area looks at the specifics of this travel. The ‘how’ and the ‘why’.

Name Origins

There are some unusual surnames in the tree, and here you’ll find the origins of many of them. A fascinating part of the research.

References

What’s a mutchkin? How about a bodle? To which county does CMN refer?

This part of the site will help you translate many of your source materials, whether you’re looking at your ancestors’ medical conditions, finances or census information.

Timelines

If you’ve ever wondered why a mass migration occurred at a particular time, or where someone’s likely to have been buried; here’s your answer. The timing of major events associated with the tree.

Other Researchers

This research has been growing for a number of years, with more than a little help from many, many others. Here are just a few of the fellow researchers who may be able to help with your quest.

Articles

Making the Most of Libraries & Family Tree Research Centres

As I mentioned above, I spend a fair bit of time on-the-road. If you’re the same, you’ll love this : how to make the most of the libraries and research centres you stop in on the way.

The Language of Genealogy

What happens when your search leads you to an unfamiliar language? Here are a number of online translation tools that can really make a difference.

Edinburgh Burials & Cremation History

Having lived in Edinburgh for a number of years, I can certainly attest to its rich culture and history. Part of that relates to something which has been taking place there for millennia - burials and cremations.

Scots Weights, Measures and Money

How much was it worth, and when? How many could you fit in a barrel?

If you’ve got Scottish ancestors, get ready to see some unusual terms in your quest. Here’s a translation.

Get in Touch

This is a never-ending quest, and I’m always on the lookout for more information. If you’ve got an addition, modification or a question about anything on this site, let me know. Thanks.